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Liraglutide (Victoza/Saxenda)

Peptide

Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist peptide approved by the FDA for type 2 diabetes (Victoza, 1.8mg daily) and chronic weight management (Saxenda, 3.0mg daily). It is a 97% homologous analog of human GLP-1 with a fatty acid side chain enabling albumin binding and once-daily dosing. The LEAD, SCALE, and LEADER clinical trial programs demonstrated significant benefits for glycemic control, weight loss, and cardiovascular outcomes.

Quick Answer

What it is

Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist peptide approved by the FDA for type 2 diabetes (Victoza, 1.8mg daily) and chronic weight management (Saxenda, 3.0mg daily). It is a 97% homologous analog of human GLP-1 with a fatty acid side chain enabling albumin binding and once-daily dosing.

Key findings

  • Grade A: Body Weight Reduction (Obesity)
  • Grade A: Weight Loss ≥5% Achievement (Obesity)
  • Grade A: Weight Loss ≥10% Achievement (Obesity)

Safety

  • LEADER trial (9,340 patients) showed 13% reduction in MACE with liraglutide vs placebo (HR 0.87, P=0.01) in high-risk T2DM patients.
  • LEADER trial showed significant reduction in cardiovascular death with liraglutide vs placebo in patients with T2DM and high CV risk.
⚠️ Research Notice

This peptide information is for educational and research purposes only. Peptides may not be FDA-approved for human use and may only be legally available for research purposes. Consult qualified healthcare professionals before considering any peptide compounds.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Liraglutide (Victoza/Saxenda)

Quick Facts: Liraglutide (Victoza/Saxenda)

  • Best Evidence:Grade A
  • Conditions Studied:3
  • Research Outcomes:23
  • Grade A Findings:9
  • Grade B Findings:7
  • Key Effect:Obesity
A9
B7
C3
D4
3 conditions · 23 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

|
A
Body Weight Reduction
SCALE trial showed 8.4kg mean weight loss vs 2.8kg placebo at 56 weeks. Meta-analysis confirms 5.04kg greater weight reduction vs placebo in non-diabetic patients.
moderate↓Improves
A
Weight Loss ≥5% Achievement
SCALE trial showed 63.2% achieved ≥5% weight loss with liraglutide 3.0mg vs 27.1% placebo.
large↑Worsens
A
Weight Loss ≥10% Achievement
SCALE trial showed 33.1% achieved ≥10% weight loss with liraglutide 3.0mg vs 10.6% placebo.
large↑Worsens
A
HbA1c Reduction
LEAD trials showed HbA1c reductions of 1.0-1.14% with liraglutide. LEADER showed sustained 0.40% greater reduction vs placebo at 36 months.
large↓Improves
A
Glycemic Control
LEAD-3 showed liraglutide 1.8mg superior to glimepiride monotherapy for glycemic control (1.14% vs 0.51% HbA1c reduction, P<0.0001).
large↑Improves
A
Hypoglycemia Risk
LEAD trials showed liraglutide associated with lower hypoglycemia rates compared to sulfonylureas due to glucose-dependent action.
moderate↓Improves
B
Beta-Cell Function
Studies suggest liraglutide may preserve beta-cell function and reduce glycemic deterioration over time.
moderate↑Improves
A
Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE)
LEADER trial (9,340 patients) showed 13% reduction in MACE with liraglutide vs placebo (HR 0.87, P=0.01) in high-risk T2DM patients.
moderate↓Improves
A
Cardiovascular Mortality
LEADER trial showed significant reduction in cardiovascular death with liraglutide vs placebo in patients with T2DM and high CV risk.
moderate↓Improves
A
All-Cause Mortality
LEADER trial demonstrated reduced all-cause mortality with liraglutide compared to placebo over median 3.8 years follow-up.
moderate↓Improves
B
Blood Glucose Control
27 human trials and systematic reviews support this finding. Evidence includes systematic reviews/meta-analyses. Human clinical trial data available.
moderate↓Improves
B
Safety/Tolerability
11 human trials and systematic reviews support this finding. Evidence includes systematic reviews/meta-analyses. Human clinical trial data available.
moderate↑Improves
B
Liver Protection
8 human trials and systematic reviews support this finding. Evidence includes systematic reviews/meta-analyses. Human clinical trial data available.
moderate↑Improves
B
Kidney Function
6 human trials and systematic reviews support this finding. Evidence includes systematic reviews/meta-analyses. Human clinical trial data available.
small↑Improves
B
Anti-Inflammatory Activity
5 human trials support this finding. Human clinical trial data available.
small↑Improves
C
Cardiac Protection
5 preclinical studies support this finding. Primarily preclinical evidence.
small↑Improves
C
Neuroprotection
3 preclinical studies support this finding. Primarily preclinical evidence.
small↑Improves
C
Muscle Mass/Function
3 preclinical studies support this finding. Primarily preclinical evidence.
small↑Improves
D
Sleep Quality
2 human trials support this finding. Human clinical trial data available.
small↑Improves
D
Blood Pressure
2 human trials and systematic reviews support this finding. Evidence includes systematic reviews/meta-analyses. Human clinical trial data available.
small↓Improves
D
Cognitive Function
2 preclinical studies support this finding. Primarily preclinical evidence.
small↑Improves
D
GI Protection
2 preclinical studies support this finding. Primarily preclinical evidence.
small↑Improves

Research Citations (77)

Exploring Liraglutide's mechanism in reducing renal fibrosis: the Fsp1-CoQ10-NAD(P)H pathway.
(2025)
PMID: 39799153
Liraglutide for idiopathic intracranial hypertension: a real-world propensity score-matched study.
(2025)
PMID: 39949066
A comprehensive review on liraglutide and novel nanocarrier-based systems for the effective delivery of liraglutide.
(2025)
PMID: 40014122
Current status of Liraglutide delivery systems for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
(2025)
PMID: 40914786
Liraglutide improves peripheral perfusion and markers of angiogenesis and inflammation in people with type 2 diabetes and peripheral artery disease: An 18-month follow-up of a randomized clinical trial.
(2025)
PMID: 40276845
Liraglutide improves senescence and ameliorating diabetic sarcopenia via the YAP-TAZ pathway.
(2025)
PMID: 39987624
Effects of liraglutide on body composition in people living with obesity or overweight: A systematic review.
(2025)
PMID: 39904668
The safety and efficacy of liraglutide combined with metformin in clinical treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome patients: a meta-analysis.
(2025)
PMID: 40481408
Liraglutide ameliorates diabetic kidney disease by modulating gut microbiota and L-5-Oxoproline.
(2024)
PMID: 39154828
Liraglutide alleviates ferroptosis in renal ischemia reperfusion injury via inhibiting macrophage extracellular trap formation.
(2024)
PMID: 39340991

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